Jean Howard, 89
DOVER, Del. - Mrs. Jean Howard, born August 29, 1932, passed into heaven on March 19, 2022. Mrs. Howard was home in the company of her loving family when the Lord called her home to his Kingdom.
Mrs. Howard, formerly Jean Phillips, graduated in the top of her class from Montclair State College. She taught history and political science at Caesar Rodney Junior High School for over 20 years. She was head of her department and integral to the Delaware Education Association in various positions.
Jean was born a coal miner's daughter in Carbondale, Pa. Her family moved to Patterson, N.J. in 1941, where her parents worked in the war effort industries. Her early years made her tough and gritty, but she was also good and wise.
In her senior year of college, she met and married, Michael Howard. Together they traveled the world as he served as a top fighter pilot in the United States Airforce. She lost him in 1969 and never remarried. Jean stayed in Dover to raise her family and continue teaching until she retired at age 62.
Preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Colonel Michael Joseph Howard; parents, Edmund and Francis Phillips; sister, Mary Lou and brother-in-law, Bucky MacNaughten; brother, Norman Phillips; her cousins, Tom and Conrad Remick; and lifelong friends, Joseph and Pegg Brennan.
Mrs. Howard is survived by her sons, Mark, Kevin, and Brian Howard all of Dover; niece, Shelley Jean Cousins of N.J.; cousin, Norman Remick; Cathy and Tony Harper of Lewes, Del.; grandchildren, Michael R. Howard, Bridget Ridenour, Kate Howard, Casey Shelor, Brynn Boiko, Megan Robbins, and Colin Howard; great grandchildren, Mackenzie Ridenour, Kaden Howard, Mikey Howard, Daxton Howard, Aubree Howard, Lilly Howard, Maddox Shelor, Tiegen Robbins, Joseph Robbins, Elyse Boiko, Stefan Boiko and Rosemarie Jean Howard.
Mom-Mom Jean loved and doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. For years after she retired, former students of all ages would visit her especially during Christmas break. She made a difference in all their lives. If you ever met her, you already know she was someone special. She will be greatly missed and remembered with loving fondness.
A Memorial Service will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, Del. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will be private. A gathering of friends and family will follow her service, at Irish Mike's Pub in Dover.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to, St. Anthony's Guild, Franciscan Bread for The Poor, St. Francis Breadline, 144 W. 32nd St., New York, NY, or online at https://give.stfrancisbreadline.org/page/93696/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=FBL_Main_Website_referral
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com